Economic overview
The Spanish economy grew by 2.8% in 2001 after increasing by 4% for four consecutive years. This economic deceleration was mainly owing to a contraction in domestic spending and weakening exports, as well as the general global economic slowdown, but buoyant consumer spending prevented a more severe deceleration.

Spain's language travel market experienced a rather slow year in 2001, according to the agents who took part in this issue's survey. Many are now pinning their hopes for increasing business in 2002 on the widening of their portfolios and increased marketing.

Key points

The nine agencies that took part in our survey placed a total of 1,128 students in 2001

Individual agencies placed between 60 and 400 students on language courses per year

Average growth of combined agency business in 2001 was just under six per cent

Average length of stay was 4.1 weeks

Average commission offered by language schools was 17.5 per cent

66 per cent of Spanish students studied in July and August

72 per cent of Spanish students stayed with host families

The number of countries represented by agencies ranged from one to 20

The average cost of a week's language course with accommodation was e350 (US$330)

Market growthDemand in Spain for language travel programmes slowed in 2001 with only 63 per cent of the nine agents who took part in this issue's survey reporting a modest increase in bookings of between five and 20 per cent. This is in contrast to 2000 when 70 per cent of agents experienced up to 50 per cent growth (see Language Travel Magazine, August 2001, pages 18-19). Any business growth in 2001 was put down to individual agency efforts such as increasing their product range and stepping up marketing.

Student trendsThe average age of language travel students from Spain is relatively high, with 66 per cent of bookings accounted for by students aged between 19 and 30 years old. No agents in this year's survey placed students under the age of 11, although the 12-to-15 year old age group, which accounted for 10 per cent of bookings this year, was highlighted as a growth area by two agents. Three further agents said the 19-to-24 year old age bracket would be the one to watch in the future.

Language and destination trendsEnglish was by far the most popular language, accounting for around 80 per cent of Spanish agency bookings. German was the second most popular, with a 10 per cent share of the market, followed by French, with eight per cent. Although the UK still led the pack in terms of favoured language travel destination, two agents noted a surge in demand for Ireland. The USA, which accounted for only two per cent of bookings in this survey, lost favour after September 11, although demand has picked up again in 2002.

Agency businessAgents estimated that around 80 per cent of students knew which country they wanted to study in before seeking agency advice, while 41 per cent had decided on a city or town and 14 per cent knew of a school. After consultation, 19 per cent changed their mind about the country, 39 per cent about the city or town and 41 per cent about the school.

Forecast for 2002In such a competitive market, which is currently undergoing a period of stagnation, it is not surprising that a number of Spanish agents reported that they would continue to concentrate on expanding their range of courses and countries in order to attract more students, while others also mentioned that they would focus on marketing activities.